When you book a professional facial, you’re not just getting a relaxing experience – you’re getting access to ingredients that aren’t found in retail formulas. These pro-use-only actives are stronger, more concentrated and expertly layered by licensed estheticians who know how to use them safely and effectively.

“These treatments reach deeper levels of the skin to restore balance, strengthen the barrier, and deliver visible results that build over time,” says Dawn Gantt, Bioelements esthetician. 

While at-home serums and masks help you maintain results, what happens in the treatment room goes beyond the surface. Pro skin care ingredients:

• Work at higher concentrations than retail formulas.
• Penetrate deeper, guided by professional techniques.
• Deliver faster results (like visible brightness, smoothness and firming) without compromising barrier health.

Let’s break down a few of the potent ingredients that make a professional facial so transformative.

1. Enzymes that resurface without redness

You’ve likely seen fruit enzymes in at-home exfoliators, but the ones used in the treatment room go further. Estheticians often use these in triple-enzyme formulas that brighten, refine pores and prep the skin for deeper absorption of serums or peels.

• Bromelain and papain dissolve dead surface cells without irritation.
• Prickly Pear Enzyme (Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract) adds antioxidant protection while gently resurfacing, making skin smoother and more radiant.

“These enzymes are working to really eat the dead skin cells on the surface,” says Dawn. “That’s what gives that immediate smoothness and brightness in a facial.”

Pro-recommended facial to experience these ingredients: Bioelements Triple Corrective Enzyme Facial

2. Oxygen-boosting complexes

Only a professional can safely deliver oxygen-amplifying actives that stimulate cellular respiration and barrier recovery.

• Saccharomyces Ferments (Copper, Iron and Silicon) create an oxygen-rich environment that helps fibroblasts thrive, encouraging collagen synthesis.
• 3% Triple Oxygenating Complex purifies pores and reduces excess oil.
• Eucalyptus Oil adds antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits – ideal for post-extractions or for dull, congested skin.

“These are respiratory ingredients,” explains Dawn. “They really help to boost that oxygen so we can keep the skin healthy.”

Pro-recommended facial to experience these ingredients: Bioelements Oxygen Glow Facial

3. Clinical-level acids and peels

At home, exfoliating acids are often limited to 5–10%. In the treatment room, estheticians use controlled-activity formulas that reach up to 30% (and know exactly how to balance them).

• Lactic Acid (30%) hydrates while resurfacing for brighter, smoother texture.
• Mandelic Acid (8%) refines tone and texture without irritation, even for sensitive skin.
• Multi-Fruit Acids + Glycolic Acid (up to 25%) retexturize, reduce lines, and boost radiance.

These pro acids work synergistically with barrier-support ingredients like Burdock and Calendula Extracts to ensure exfoliation never equals irritation.

Pro-recommended facial to experience these ingredients: Bioelements Even Brighter Facial

4. Acne-fighting actives

In the treatment room, estheticians use acne-fighting actives that go far beyond anything found in at-home routines. These professional-strength ingredients help clear breakouts without irritation. 

• 8% Sulfur absorbs excess oil, unclogs pores, prevents future breakouts and helps fade post-inflammatory discoloration.
• 2% Resorcinol exfoliates and refines to reduce blackheads, whiteheads and congestion.

Together, these active ingredients work to treat breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads and congestion by targeting dead skin cells and pore-clogging impurities.

Pro-recommended facial to experience these ingredients: Bioelements Acne + Pore Clearing Treatment

5. Advanced mineral + Botanical detoxifiers

Deep-cleansing masks in the treatment room rely on a blend of minerals and adaptogens you won’t find in everyday clay masks.

• Activated Coconut Charcoal and French Green Clay pull impurities while feeding skin with Zinc, Copper and Iron – essential minerals for barrier strength.
• Dunaliella Salina (Algae Extract) and Nannochloropsis Oculata (Microalgae) boost brightness and provide instant firming and antioxidant protection.

“These are strengthening and balancing adaptogens,” Dawn explains. “Think of it as coconut water for the skin – a big drink of moisture and minerals.”

Pro-recommended facial to experience these ingredients: Bioelements Ultra-Detox Chemical Peel

6. Barrier-building botanicals

Even high-strength treatments end with calm, nourished skin, thanks to soothing pro botanicals that estheticians layer post-peel or mask.

• Perilla Frutescens Extract targets excess melanin and brightens discoloration.
• Aspalathus Linearis (Red Bush) and Grape Seed Oil soothe, comfort and replenish depleted moisture.

These restorative ingredients ensure the skin barrier stays strong, hydrated, and protected long after your facial ends.

Pro-recommended facial to experience these ingredients: Bioelements Repair + Relax Facial

FAQs: Pro ingredients 

What’s the difference between professional and retail products?

Professional-use formulas have higher concentrations of actives and are designed for expert application. Retail formulas are gentler and meant to maintain those results safely at home.

Why can’t I buy these pro-only ingredients myself?

Because they’re too strong to use without training. Estheticians are licensed to apply, monitor and neutralize them properly for your skin’s condition and barrier.

Do these treatments damage the barrier?

No, each Bioelements treatment layers barrier-supportive ingredients like antioxidants, minerals and adaptogens so skin stays calm and balanced from start to finish.

How often should I get a facial to maintain results?

Most pros recommend every 4–6 weeks to keep skin bright, clear, and balanced. Your esthetician can adjust frequency based on your skin type and goals.